Residents of Borgu Emirate in Niger State are reportedly fleeing into neighbouring Benin Republic following a surge in insecurity that has left many communities gripped by fear.
The alarm was raised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) House of Representatives candidate for Borgu/Agwara Federal Constituency, Murtala Haliru Dantoro, who appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government to establish a permanent and sustained security presence across the affected communities.
Addressing journalists during a press conference, Dantoro said the security situation in Borgu had reached a critical stage, with frequent killings, kidnappings and forced displacement making life increasingly unbearable for residents.
He noted that many communities now live under constant threat, while farming activities and movement have been severely restricted because of persistent attacks by criminal elements.
According to him, authorities must shift from reacting to attacks after they occur to preventing them before lives and property are lost.
“We are not asking to be rescued after the fact. We are asking for security before the fact.”
Dantoro stressed that the people of Borgu were not seeking special treatment but the constitutional protection every Nigerian citizen deserves.
He also lamented the destruction of a major bridge linking Borgu with the Republic of Benin as well as Kebbi and Sokoto states, describing it as a vital economic route for the emirate.
According to him, the damaged bridge has disrupted transportation, commercial activities and cross-border trade, worsening the economic hardship already facing residents.
The ADC candidate warned that the deteriorating security situation had compelled some residents to abandon their homes and seek refuge in the Republic of Benin.
He described the growing displacement as both a humanitarian crisis and a national security challenge, urging the Federal Government and the Niger State Government to act swiftly before more communities are forced to flee.
Dantoro further appealed to local and international humanitarian organisations to provide immediate assistance to displaced persons from Babanna and other affected communities.
He called for emergency support, including temporary shelter, food supplies, healthcare services and other essential relief materials, especially for women and children displaced by the violence.
The ADC candidate also urged President Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies to prioritise Borgu’s security, insisting that residents should be able to “sleep, farm, trade and travel without fear.”
